The Tale of Baboushka

Baboushka is busy with her house—she has so much to do. The late night arrival of three travelers at her cottage door interrupts her domestic routine of cleaning and polishing, and although she gives them excellent hospitality, she is relieved that they plan to travel on the following day. When the men explain that they are in search of a newborn king, Baboushka wonders whether to join them, but does not want to leave the house in a mess. Only later, when she sees the star and hears angels singing, does she realize she made the wrong choice. She hurries to take her own gift to the king but cannot find him. Tradition has it that she searches still, and wherever she hears the sound of children in a house, she leaves a secret gift.